Treating Crohn's disease

Even though there is no cure for Crohn's disease, there are treatments available.

Even though Crohn's treatment plans are based on a person’s individual needs, keep in mind some of the goals in treating Crohn's disease:¹^,²

• Controlling inflammation
• Achieving remission (absence of symptoms)
• Maintaining remission (keeping symptoms from returning for a long time)

Work together with your doctor to find a treatment plan that helps you reach your treatment goals. Make sure you share how Crohn’s symptoms affect you and ask about your treatment options.

Medication

There are 5 basic categories of medications available to treat Crohn's disease, including:¹^,²

• Aminosalicylates (5-ASA's)
• Corticosteroids
• Immune modifiers (Immunomodulators)
• Biologic therapies (Biologics)
• Antibiotics

Surgery

People with Crohn's disease may require surgery at some point as part of their therapeutic management. Surgery may be needed to clear an intestinal blockage, repair damage to the intestines or treat symptoms that medications alone could not control.¹ Learn more about potential complications of Crohn's disease.

References

1. NIH Publication No. 06-3410. From National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. (2006). Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/crohns/. Accessed February 17, 2010.

2. Living with Crohn's Disease. (2009). Available at: http://www.ccfa.org/frameviewer/?url=/media/pdf/crohns2005.pdf. Accessed February 17, 2010.